18.3 Percent Module Efficiency, 300 Watt Output, Lightweight Design Driving Strong Sales of New Modules for Commercial, Residential Use

CHICAGO, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its official U.S. launch less than nine months ago, LG Electronics' MonoX™ NeON has become one the nation's fastest-growing premium solar modules thanks to its high efficiency, performance and ease-of-installation. Customer response to LG's newest solar modules has been "outstanding," according to company executives at the Solar Power International (SPI) 2013 trade show.

With its 60-cell panel design, the LG MonoX NeON premium series delivers high-efficiency output of up to 300 watts with 18.3 percent module efficiency. It combines LG's N-Type cell manufacturing technology into one cutting-edge unit. Among the lightest on the market at only 37 pounds (16.8 kilograms), the LG MonoX NeON is over 11 percent lighter than previous models, allowing installation by one technician rather than two. Other highlights include selective emitter and fine electrode technologies as well as LG's unique anti-reflection coating technology.

"Customer response this year for the MonoX NeON has been outstanding, with demand exceeding our expectations," said James Lee, senior vice president, energy solutions, LG Electronics USA. "With LG, it's all possible. We're delivering an attractive price-per-watt with high-efficiency solar modules that have the same durability and size as earlier PV systems, but that yield higher wattage and are significantly easier to install."

The award-winning MonoX NeON is LG's flagship solar panel on display at SPI Booth 1705. Among other things, LG is previewing a new AC solar module with an integrated LG-developed and LG-manufactured micro-inverter. Planned for 2014 introduction, this new option will give contractors even more installation flexibility by eliminating DC cabling and fusing, instead using only less-expensive AC wiring.

Reliability from Trusted Brand

Receiving customer accolades for its panel reliability, the LG MonoX NeON combines proven technology and a 25-year module guarantee to the U.S. solar marketplace. "Customers can buy with confidence from LG, a brand they can trust to be there for them down the road," said Lee.

Paul Benson, CEO of leading solar distributor Focused Energy, agrees. "PV installers and dealers need partners they can depend on, from supply chain and financing to technology and service. A solar installation is a major long-term investment, which is why we work with experienced companies with staying power, like LG, to supply our modules," he said.

Light and Robust

The LG MonoX™ NeON premium series builds on the success of the MonoX™ line-up of high efficiency modules that led the industry in conventional-style solar panels with a 260W output and 60-cell panel design.

The lightweight new modules are proven to demonstrate outstanding durability against external pressure up to 5400 pascal (Pa). The LG MonoX NeON is easier to install and meets regulatory requirements for installation by one person opposed to two, which will have a direct impact on installation costs.

The product features clamp guideline marks on the frame indicating where the mechanical load can be maximized, fixed cable hooks attached on either side of the frame for stability, and 2-way grounding holes on either the rear or the side depending on installation settings. The corner of the module has been re-designed to provide better grips and safety for handling.

"The market is demanding higher efficiency solutions that are easier for installers to use and LG is meeting that demand," said Lee. "Our new MonoX NeON module offers installers the ability to take on a greater number of jobs in a shorter period of time. And, because our panels fit into conventional racking systems, this reduces the need to train installers on various systems. With the growing demand for solar energy, ease of installation will help drive the market."

Increased Energy Efficiency

With the introduction of the MonoX NeON module, the MonoX series is among the highest in energy efficiency in its class. Conventional crystalline products use 260W modules, while LG's advanced MonoX units operate at 260W to 270W and the MonoX NeON will operate at 280W to 300W.

This energy efficiency increase is based on three innovative LG technologies.

*(LG's "selective emitter" technology improves the solar cell efficiency and simplifies the manufacturing process.

*Fine line electrodes have been created via significant improvements in the screen-printing process. The resulting broader light absorption area generates a greater amount of power.

*LG's own "surface passivation" technology reduces the electrical loss at the solar cell surface.

With LG's advanced surface treatment technology absorbing more sunlight, the power output of the photo-conversion function is much greater than conventional multicrystalline solar cells. In addition, the night-blue cell color and piano-black frame also adds a stylish finish to the MonoX NeON's overall elegant design, which in residential applications is proving to be very attractive to homeowners associations.

Benefits for Property Owners

The LG MonoX™ NeON premium series offers building owners, contractors and installers a number of features that ease the challenges of installation and maintenance. The panel has lower voltage than that of a 5-inch 96-cell module, which allows installers to connect the MonoX™ NeON on a single string. This means significantly easier installation than a 5-inch 96-cell panel.

The lower-voltage design of the MonoX™ NeON also helps to reduce potential induced degradation (PID), which is the tendency for the last panel in the series to degrade due to the increased stress placed on that module. The MonoX™ NeON's design gives it outstanding reliability against PID.

The MonoX™ NeON offers a one percent higher output than the conventional MonoX series. The n-type cells are designed to have almost no initial power drop that is seen in the majority of solar panels. The unique design of the MonoX™ NeON prevents the light induced degradation process that causes the PV cells to degrade during the first six months of exposure until reaching a stable level.

Industry-leading Certifications

Like the MonoX and MultiX, the product was developed through LG's solar module test lab, which received full certification from both Underwriters Laboratory and the TUV, a first in the solar industry. The test lab allowed LG to utilize its own unique cell technology to ensure product quality and durability. The new solar module is rated to withstand frontal and rear pressure of 5,400 Pa, as well as extreme climate conditions. LG solar panels also were the first in the industry to earn the coveted CarbonFree® Certification label from the Carbon Free Foundation.

For more information on LG's Solar Division please visit: http://www.lgsolarusa.com

Designs, features and specifications subject to change without notice.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $45 billion global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. LG Electronics, a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions in the United States, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com and www.lgsolarusa.com.